Joshua Son of Nun
Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia
(Josh 1:1), called Moses' minister in Exodus 24:13 because he assisted him in his ministry. His original name was Hoshea (Num 13:8, 16). Joshua first appears when the Israelites prepared to fight Amalek at Rephidim and Moses entrusted him with command of Israel's army (Exod 17:9). The source reckons him forty-four years old at the time, although Exodus 33:11 calls him a young man. Moses' discerning eye soon recognized in Joshua the qualities required in the future leader of the whole people.
After the victory over Amalek he was one of the twelve spies sent to inspect Canaan (Num 13:17-18) and one of the two who gave Israel a favorable report (Num 14:6). At the close of Israel's forty-year wandering, Joshua was among the few who had survived that period. At God's command Moses appointed him leader of the people (Num 27:18) and solemnly installed him in that office (Deut 31:14, 23).